The interview - how to impress
Preparation, preparation, preparation
It’s so important, we’re saying it thrice. The more you know about the company, department, team and job, the less likely you are to be surprised. Call HR or the person who invited you for interview and ask for a chat with someone who works there. Ask them what a typical day entails and what kind of projects they work on. This is also important for you to work out whether you want the job.
The internet might be able to help you with research too.
If you have a friend who has been for an interview recently, find out what questions they were asked and work out some answers. It might feel strange, but after a practice the real thing won’t feel quite so daunting.
What to wear - and what not
You should aim to impress at interview - wear something smart like a suit or at least a shirt but not jeans or trainers. Don’t wear anything too tight or revealing and keep jewellery and make-up discreet too. You want the interviewer to pay attention to what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing.
What should I take to an interview?
Take a copy of your application and your CV and you may have some references too. Think about bringing along examples of work which might help you illustrate your answers. To avoid crumpling pages and getting flustered with too many pieces of paper you could use an A4 size plastic wallet.
What to say
Most interviews include some similar questions that you can prepare and practice beforehand. Consider these:
• Why do you want the job / why are you the best person for the job?
• What are your strengths / what are your weaknesses?
• How have you handled problems in the past / tell me about a time when something didn’t go well
• What can you offer that other candidates can’t?
Also spend some time thinking about some relevant achievements and how you can best refer to them into your answers.
Don’t panic if you’ve prepared answers that don’t exactly fit the questions - listen carefully and answer as naturally as possible, you might be able to include some of what you’ve prepared.
Interviewers like people who elaborate their answer with a specific example:
“Are you a good team player?”
“Yes I am, in my current department I have set up a 5-a-side football tournament. It’s really good fun and the team really bonds together.”
It’s ok to be a bit nervous - interviewers expect it, but you can counteract nerves by acting confidently. A firm handshake, good eye contact and a friendly smile will put you - and them - at ease.
Now for the don’t list
Don’t be late - find out where you need to be and do a trial run so you can time the journey. Better to be 20 minutes early than two minutes late - and you won’t be stressed if you allow yourself plenty of time.
Don’t lie or even bend the truth. Not to mention the instant embarrassment factor if you’re found out, you might also get yourself into trouble.
Do be friendly, but don’t tell too many jokes. They’re not there to see you perform.
Don’t worry! Imagine you’re going in for a meeting with your current colleagues and not going in for the Spanish Inquisition.
